I am having a laminectomy and Fusion L4 L5, L3 FINALLY after putting y

I’ve had starting with the SI Joint fusion, crushed L3 vertebra, Kyphoplasty, crushed L3 again and the L3 L4 & L4 L5 Fusion, Medtronic pain pump Implant & spine stimulator Implant.
The L3 L4 & L4 L5 Fusion was minimally invasive surgery and helped a lot it was not that bad as for pain and I would do it again if I needed it. You will be fine! I was up and walking the next day to the bathroom and then in a day or two down the hall with a walker. Home in I think it was 4 days.

My husband (who is 76 years old) just had 2 vertebrae fused 2 weeks ago. He is walking with assistance of a walker every day. Each day he gets a little further. The pain he had prior to surgery is gone and now some of the nerves are waking up! He can now lift both feet better than he has in over 4 years.

@tmbb
That is so wonderful to hear!!! I hope it gets better and better for him as he heals!
Wishing him the best,
Sherry

I have been fused - L5 - L4 - L -3
My first fusion (L5-L4) was many years ago - with two rods and four bolts. I was a carpenter
and was having much pain, etc. (The pain could have been my wife I divorced later).
It was amazing - I continued to work in my field for the next 30 years.
Lately (this past year) I was having much pain in walking / standing / sitting.
End of April I went ahead with the fusion of L-4 to L-5. Great success. NO pain any more.
I see my orthopedic surgeon on Thursday for the all clear. The six month follow -up.
I am doing most things - building small projects for the house / washing the car / raking leaves.
Most Important: I walk every day close to 3 miles. - VERY important.
The recovery is not with out pain but I fully recommend that you go ahead with a positive
outlook and I think you will not regret the surgery.
The only problem I had was a "Bowel" issue from the opioid medications.
Good luck and all the best - I am going to be 80 years old and I am happy to be alive and
moving without pain.
peterpaul
By the way - I remarried and it has been 26 wonderful years.

@peterpaul It’s great to hear that your spine surgery went well for you. So many people tend to think they may be too old for surgery, but I think it is more about staying as physically fit as you can and that makes you a better surgical candidate and leads to successful recovery. Good for you and all the walking that you are doing. We likely all need to do more of that. You are a great example of what is possible.

@peterpaul
I have very similar disc involvement. I experience great pain when I try to sleep on either side. The pain runs down my leg into my ankles and, sometimes, even makes my toes curl. I have a neurosurgeon appointment on the 16th. I am hoping for a less invasive surgery; was yous less invasive or full bore? Thank you for your reply. A backbrother.

Once you get on a home exercise program (HEP) from PT don’t stop doing the exercises especially to strengthen your core. I broke my spine in a fall so depending on whether you injured your back or just age related deterioration your core will be your main point of support going forward and a good HEP can save you loads of pain down the road. Good luck.

How did you do
I may need the same thing
Did you go to Mayo ?